Communication Device With Multiple Detachable Communication Modules

ABSTRACT

A wireless communication device has a docking cavity, a short-range transceiver, and a long-range transceiver for long-range wireless communication with a wireless network. A wireless communication module includes a speaker and a microphone, and a short-range transceiver for short-range wireless communication with the device&#39;s short-range transceiver. The module is configured to operate in first and second modes. In the first mode, the module is separated from the communication device. In the second mode, the module is mounted in the cavity. In both modes, communication between a user and the network is conducted through the module&#39;s microphone and speaker, both short-range transceivers and the long-range transceiver.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/416,322,filed Oct. 24, 2003, which was the Nationalization Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/CA01/01582, filed Nov. 6, 2001, whichclaims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/246,533, filedNov. 7, 2000, all three applications hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This relates to communication devices, and more particularly to wirelesscommunication devices having multiple detachable communication modules.

BACKGROUND

There has been a proliferation of wireless mobile communication devicesin recent years in the field of telecommunications. Devices such ascordless and cellular telephones, pagers, wireless modems, wirelessemail devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with communicationsfunctions, and other mobile communication devices are becomingcommonplace. Known communication devices, however, are typicallysingle-element or single-module designs. In order to enable hands-freeoperation of such single-module communication devices, specializedadditional equipment is typically required. For example, a wired headsetis often available for known communication devices that typicallyconnects to the communication device through an electrical jack or plug.Another common hands-free accessory available for cellular telephones isa docking cradle, which is typically intending for mounting thecommunication device in a vehicle.

SUMMARY

A wireless communication device has a docking cavity, a short-rangetransceiver, and a long-range transceiver for long-range wirelesscommunication with a wireless network. A wireless communication moduleincludes a speaker and a microphone, and a short-range transceiver forshort-range wireless communication with the device's short-rangetransceiver. The module is configured to operate in first and secondmodes. In the first mode, the module is separated from the communicationdevice. In the second mode, the module is mounted in the cavity. In bothmodes, communication between a user and the network is conducted throughthe module's microphone and speaker, both short-range transceivers andthe long-range transceiver.

The following features are preferable: The module is configured to be,in the first mode, removably mounted to the user's head and, further,recharged by the device. The module is further configured to operate ina third mode in which the module is mounted in the cavity and isinoperative for conducting communication between the user and thedevice. The device includes a microphone and a speaker for audiocommunication with the user and further includes a cover configured tocover the cavity when the module is in its second configuration. Thedevice is a handheld device. The device is a first device, and a secondwireless communication device is configured for short-range wirelesscommunication with the module's short-range transceiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary communication devicehaving a first communication module and a second detachablecommunication module for insertion into the communication device user'sear.

FIG. 2 is another bottom perspective view of the exemplary communicationdevice shown in FIG. 1, in which the second communication module hasbeen removed from the first communication module.

FIG. 3 provides a more detailed view of the cavity in the housing of thefirst communication module.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the second communication moduleshown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the second communication modulethat shows additional exemplary features, including a power switch andcharging terminals.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the communication device showingoperative-mode connection terminals on the second communication module.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the first communication moduleshowing both operative-mode connection terminals and inoperative-modeconnection terminals.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the second communication moduleshowing inoperative-mode connection terminals.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the first communication moduleshowing the multifunctional connection terminals.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the second communication moduleshowing a set of charging terminals.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary communicationdevice having a first and second communication module, in which thefirst communication module includes a protective movable door.

FIG. 12 shows a movable door that is molded or otherwise worked to bearan emblem, a logo, a user identifier or the like.

FIG. 13 shows another exemplary communication device in which a firstcommunication module includes a substantially enclosed cavity into whicha second communication module is mounted.

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b respectively show exemplary embodiments in which thefirst communication module is a cellular telephone and a laptop computeror PDA.

FIG. 15 a shows a top perspective view of an alternative secondcommunication module.

FIG. 15 b shows a side perspective view of the alternative secondcommunication module.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary electrical block diagram of the multi-modulecommunication devices shown in FIGS. 1-15.

FIG. 17 illustrates one contemplated implementation of the communicationdevice described above.

FIG. 18 illustrates a further embodiment of a communication device thatincludes wireless communication between the device modules and a thirdmodule, such as an RF interface cradle. and

FIG. 18 a is a more detailed illustration of the third module shown inFIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 is a bottom perspectiveview of an exemplary communication device 10 having a firstcommunication module 12 and a second detachable communication module 14for insertion into the communication device user's ear. The firstcommunication module 12 includes a housing with substantially paralleland planar opposite top and bottom walls 2 a and 2 b, substantiallyparallel and planar opposite side walls 4 a and 4 b, and substantiallyparallel and planar opposite front and back walls 6 a and 6 b. The backwall 6 b preferably includes bevelled surfaces 8 a-8 d located along theedges where the back wall 6 b adjoins the top, bottom and side walls 2a, 2 b, 4 a and 4 b, but may also be planar, joining the top, bottom andside walls 2 a, 2 b, 4 a and 4 b at substantially right angles. The topwall 2 a, bottom wall 2 b and side walls 4 a and 4 b are preferablyslightly curved, but may also be planar. The specific shapes of thehousing walls are dependent upon the requirements of the firstcommunication module 12, as will become apparent from the followingdescription.

FIG. 2 is another bottom perspective view of the exemplary communicationdevice 10 shown in FIG. 1, in which the second communication module 14has been removed from the first communication module 12. The housing ofthe first communication module 12 preferably includes a cavity 16 inwhich the second communication module may be detachably mounted.

FIG. 3 provides a more detailed view of the cavity 16 in the housing ofthe first communication module 12. The cavity 16 preferably includes aplurality of subcavities that are shaped to accommodate the secondcommunication module 12, each of which may be a different size, shapeand depth. For instance, the exemplary cavity shown in FIG. 3 includesthree subcavities: a substantially circular subcavity 18 having a firstdepth, a first rectangular cavity 20 having a second depth, and a secondrectangular cavity 22 having a third depth. The cavity 16 alsopreferably includes a plurality of surfaces 24, 26 b, 28 and 30 thatprovide smooth transitions between the subcavities 18, 20 and 22, and aplurality of surfaces 26 a, 26 c, 32, 34, 36 a, 36 b, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46a and 46 b that are preferably contoured and sized primarily to producea desired physical appearance when the second communication module 14 ismounted as in FIG. 1.

The surfaces of the cavity 16 preferably also provide for retention ofthe second communication module 14 within the cavity 16. Surfaces 36 aand 36 b and/or surfaces 46 a and 46 b may, for example, be contoured toengage the sides of the second communication module 14 in order tofrictionally hold it within the cavity 16. In another embodiment,surfaces in or adjacent to the cavity 16 may include retention means,such as nubs or protrusions, that engage detents in corresponding partsof the second communication module 14, or vice versa, to detachably holdthe second communication module 14 within the cavity 16. In yet anotherembodiment, other retention means, such as springs or otherwiseelastically-biased protrusions or hooks, may be included on the first orsecond communication module that cooperate with appropriate matingretention means on the other of the first or second communicationmodule. Alternatively, additional means to maintain the device in anassembled position, such as a movable clip arrangement, could be mountedon the first communication module 12.

In order to remove the second communication module 14 from the cavity16, the surfaces 26 a, 26 b and 26 c are preferably contoured to providespaces 48 a and 48 b (shown in FIG. 1) that enable a communicationdevice user to grasp the sides of the second communication module 14. Inaddition, the second communication module 14 preferably includesdepressions 50 and 52 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) that enable thecommunication device user to easily grip the module 14 while it iswithin the cavity 16. Preferably, the retention means described aboveare adapted to apply sufficient force to retain the second communicationmodule 14 in a mounted position, while allowing a communication deviceuser to easily remove the second communication module 14 for use.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the second communication module 14shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The second communication module 14 is preferablya voice communication device that includes a speaker 14 a, a main body14 b, a boom 14 c and a microphone 14 d. Operationally, the speaker 14 ais placed in the ear of a communication device user with the boom 14 cextending towards the user's mouth. To avoid rotational movement of thesecond communication module 14 while the speaker 14 a is in the user'sear, the center of gravity of the module 14 should preferably be asclose to the speaker 14 a as possible. Thus, any relatively heavycomponents located inside the main body portion 14 b should preferablybe located adjacent the speaker 14 a. In this manner, moments about thespeaker are minimized, and the second communication module 14 shouldremain substantially stationary while the speaker is in thecommunication device user's ear.

Optimally, the length of the boom portion 14 c should be maximized suchthat the microphone 14 d is located in the proximity of thecommunication device user's mouth when the module 14 is in use. Themoment about the speaker 14 a, however, increases in proportion to thelength of the boom 14 c. Thus, in order to maintain stability, thelength of the boom 14 c may not be sufficient to position the microphone14 d adjacent to a user's mouth. The microphone 14 d will, therefore,likely receive not only a user's speech, but also undesired noisesignals from a multitude of sources, such as other speakers in thevicinity or car engine noise. In order to reduce this background noise,the second communication module preferably includes a noise cancellationcircuit with a background noise microphone 48 as shown in FIG. 4. Thebackground noise microphone 48 preferably detects background noisesignals which are then subtracted from the corrupted speech received bythe microphone 14 d in the noise cancellation circuit. In this manner, ahigher quality speech signal is provided.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the second communication module14 that shows additional exemplary features, including a power switch 54and charging terminals 56. The power switch 54 is preferably apushbutton switch that turns the second communication module 14 on andoff, enabling the communication device user to limit power consumptionwhile the module 14 is not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the secondcommunication module 14 is also configured to turn on automatically whenremoved from its assembled position within the first communicationmodule 12, and to turn off automatically when replaced in its mountedposition. In this preferred embodiment, the power switch 54 may be usedto turn off the second communication module 13 without returning it toits mounted position. In other embodiments, the second communicationmodule 14 may also include other switched functions, such as a mutefunction, controlled by one or more additional switches located on thefirst and/or second module. For example, a mute function may operate todisable the microphone 14 d and the background noise microphone 48without ending a communication function such as a voice call.

The charging terminals 56 on the second communication module 14preferably mate with corresponding charging terminals 46 on the firstcommunication module 12 shown in FIG. 3. Also shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 arealternative locations 46 a and 56 a for the respective chargingterminals. The second communication module 14 preferably includes arechargeable power source that is recharged by the first communicationmodule 12 through the charging terminals 46 and 56 while the secondcommunication module is in its fully mounted position as shown inFIG. 1. The charging terminals 46 on the first communication module 12are preferably coupled to an internal power source through appropriateconversion and control circuitry in order to provide a charge to anadditional power source in the second communication module.

In addition, the charging terminals 46 and 56 preferably includeappropriate structures or arrangements to prevent discharging of therespective power sources or damage to internal components caused byexternal contact with the terminals. For example, the charging terminals56 may be recessed below the surface of the main body 14 b of the secondcommunication module 14 in order to reduce the likelihood of externalcontact with the charging terminals 56, resulting in a short-circuit. Insuch an embodiment, the charging terminals 46 on the first communicationmodule 12 may protrude from the surface 26 b in order to make contactwith recessed charging terminals 56 in the second communication module14.

With reference to FIG. 3, the first communication module 12 may includeeither a non-rechargeable power source such as one or more alkalinebatteries, or a rechargeable source. In devices where the firstcommunication module 12 includes a rechargeable power supply, the powersupply is preferably recharged through an operative connection to arecharging device, such as a cradle or holding unit. The device 10 couldalso be adapted to receive a connector jack or plug from a more commonwall-mounted type charger device.

With reference again to FIG. 5, the second communication module 14preferably includes a rechargeable power source that is charged throughthe recharging terminals 46 and 56 described above. It should beunderstood, however, that the second communication module 14 mayalternatively include a single use power source, such as anon-rechargeable battery, making charging terminals 46 and 56unnecessary

FIGS. 6-8 show an alternative communication device 60 embodiment inwhich a second communication module 64 may be mounted to a firstcommunication module 62 in either an operative or inoperative position.FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the communication device 60showing operative-mode connection terminals 66 on the secondcommunication module 64. FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of thefirst communication module 62 showing both operative-mode connectionterminals 68 and inoperative-mode connection terminals 46. FIG. 8 is abottom perspective view of the second communication module 64 showinginoperative-mode connection terminals 56.

When the second communication module 64 is mounted in an inoperativeassembled position, the inoperative-mode terminals 46 in the firstcommunication module 62 are electrically connected with theinoperative-mode terminals 56 on a front wall 64 b of the secondcommunication module 64, as shown in FIG. 8. In the inoperativeassembled position, the inoperative-mode terminals 46 and 56 preferablyoperate as described above to charge a power source in the secondcommunication module 64.

When the second communication module 64 is mounted in an operativeassembled position, the operative-mode connection terminals 68 in thecavity of the first communication module 62, shown in FIG. 7, areelectrically connected with the operative-mode connection terminals 66on a back wall of a main body portion of the second communication module64 shown in FIG. 6. In this operative assembled position, the speaker 64a and microphone 64 d, shown in FIG. 8 face away from the cavity and areaccessible for use by a user of the communication device. In addition,the operative-mode terminals 66 and 68 provide for simultaneous chargingand use of the second communication module 64. For instance, theoperative-mode terminals 66 and 68 may provide for operation of thesecond communication module 64 from the power source of the firstcommunication module 62, while simultaneously charging the power sourceof the second communication module 64. The operative assembled positionof the second communication module 64 thus provides for use of thesecond communication module 64 when its power source is incapable ofsupplying sufficient power, and thereby avoids recharge down time.

Any of the retaining means discussed above could be used to mount thesecond module 64 in the operative position. For example, a friction fitbetween the main body 64 b of the second communication module 64 and thecorresponding cavity in the first communication module 62 willpreferably retain the second module 64 in its assembled inoperativeposition. The main body 64 b, or at least a part thereof, could then befabricated such that the back portion, in which terminals 66 arepositioned, and the front portion are substantially symmetric. Thesecond communication module 64 may then be retained in either itsoperative or inoperative assembled position within the cavity in thefirst communication module 62. A similar arrangement could alternativelybe implemented based on friction fit retention of the boom portion 64 cof the second communication module 64.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show another embodiment 61 of a communication device inwhich a second communication module 65 may be mounted to a firstcommunication module 63 in either an operative or inoperative position,and the first communication module 63 utilizes only one set ofmultifunctional connection terminals 67. FIG. 9 is a bottom perspectiveview of the first communication module 63 showing the multifunctionalconnection terminals 67. FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of thesecond communication module showing a set of charging terminals 69. Onefunction of the connection terminals 67 on the first communicationmodule 63 may be to cooperate with the charging terminals 69 positionedon the second communication module 65 in order to supply power to arechargeable power source in the second communication module 65 while itis mounted in the inoperative position. In addition, the multifunctionalconnection terminals 67 may also contact a second set of terminals onthe top face of the second communication module 65 (as shown in FIG. 6)when the second communication module 65 is mounted in its operativeassembled position. The multifunctional connection terminals 67 may thenprovide for simultaneous charging and use of the second communicationmodule 65 while it is mounted in its operative position.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary communicationdevice 70 having a first and second communication module 72 and 74, inwhich the first communication module includes a protective movable door76. The protective movable door 76 is preferably fabricated from thesame or similar material as the housing of the first communicationmodule 72, and is positioned on a surface adjacent the cavity in whichthe second communication module 74 is mounted in its inoperativeassembled position. The door 76 is normally in a closed positionprotecting the second communication module 74 and connection terminals78 (if present), and is movable to allow detachment of the secondcommunication module 74 from the first communication module 72. Then,when the second communication module 74 is detached from the firstcommunication module 72, the door 76 may be moved to its closed positionto substantially cover the cavity 80 in the first communication module72.

The door 76 may be attached to the first communication module 72 throughany appropriate hinge arrangement, and is preferably biased toward itsopen and closed positions. For instance, if an over-center spring orelastic biasing hinge arrangement is utilized, the door 76 is preferablybiased toward its open position when the door 76 is opened beyond somepoint in its range of motion, and is otherwise biased toward its closedposition. In addition, the door 76 may also include a fastening means orlocking mechanism for maintaining the door in its closed position. Otherspecific ranges of motion are also contemplated in accordance with thisaspect of the invention, including but not limited to a downwardly orsideways swinging door or a similar sliding door or covering panel.

Although intended primarily for protecting the second module 74 when itis mounted on the first module 72, the door 76 may also serve adecorative purpose. If fabricated from the same material as the housingof the first module 72, which is typically opaque, the door may, forexample, be molded or otherwise worked to bear an emblem, a logo, a useridentifier or the like, as shown at 79 in FIG. 12. Alternatively, thedoor 76 may be fabricated from a transparent material and adapted toreceive a decorative member such as a photograph, allowing a user tocustomize the appearance of the communication device according topersonal taste and preference.

FIG. 13 shows another exemplary communication device 80 in which a firstcommunication module 82 includes a substantially enclosed cavity 86 intowhich a second communication module 84 is mounted. Preferably, thesecond communication module 84 is mounted by sliding it into the cavity86 in a direction indicated by the dotted line 94. The firstcommunication module 82 and second communication module 84 preferablyinclude suitable retaining means for removably holding the secondcommunication module 84 within the cavity 86.

The communication modules 82 and 84 may be adapted for operation inaccordance with any of the embodiments described above. For instance, ifthe device 80 provides for an operative assembled position of the secondcommunication module 13, then an opening 92, preferably comprising aseries of slits as shown in FIG. 13, may be provided at an appropriateposition in a wall of the housing of first communication module 82.Preferably, the slits are positioned to correspond to the position of amicrophone 84 d when the second communication module 84 is in itsoperative assembled position. Depending on the particular operativeassembled position of the second communication module 84, a furtheropening similar to opening 92 could be provided for a speaker 84 a.Alternatively, the operative assembled position could be designed suchthat the speaker 84 a remains outside the cavity 86.

In addition, a set of contact terminals 88 on the second communicationmodule 84 may cooperate with suitably located terminals inside cavity 86to provide for recharging of a power source in the second module 84and/or powering the second module 84 from the power source in the firstmodule 82. In an alternative embodiment, a set of female terminals 90may be located at a bottom edge of the main body 84 b of the secondcommunication module 84 that engage and electrically connect tocorresponding male terminals inside the cavity 86. Each of the aboveexemplary embodiments include a general first communication module. Thisfirst communication module may, for example be a handheld electronicdevice as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/106,585,which is hereby incorporated into the present Application by reference.It should be understood, however, that the first communication module isnot limited to such a handheld electronic device. For instance, FIGS. 14a and 14 b respectively show exemplary embodiments 100 and 110 in whichthe first communication module is a cellular telephone 102 and a laptopcomputer or PDA 112. In FIG. 14 a, a second communication module 104 isremovably assembled in a cavity 106 in the cellular telephone 102.Similarly, the laptop computer or PDA 112 shown in FIG. 14 b includes amounting location 116 in which a second communication module 114 may beattached. Any of the above terminal and mounting arrangements,including, for example, a protective door or an enclosed cavity in whichthe second communication modules 104 or 114 would be slidably mounted,are also contemplated for the devices 100 and 110.

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b show one alternative design 120 for the secondcommunication module. FIG. 15 a shows a top perspective view of thealternative second communication module 120. FIG. 15 b shows a sideperspective view of the alternative second communication module 120. Thealternative communication module 120 preferably includes a housing 128,a speaker 120 a, a microphone 120 d and a switch 126. The housing 121preferably includes a substantially oval-shaped top profile, andindentations 122 and 124 that define handles by which a user may graspand hold the second communication module 120. In addition, the housing121 preferably has a main body portion with two sections: an uppersection 120 b that lies substantially to one side of the speaker 120 a;and a lower section 120 c that lies substantially on the opposite sideof the speaker 120 a. The microphone 120 d is preferably located at adistal end of the lower section 120 c. The switch 126 is preferablylocated on a top portion of the housing 121 and operates similarly tothe switch 54 shown in FIG. 5. The module may also include an additionalmicrophone adapted to receive background noise for use in executingnoise cancellation operations for the desired but corrupted voice oraudio signals received at microphone 120 d.

Like the second communication modules described above, the alternativemodule 120 communicates via a wireless link with an associated firstcommunication module and is designed to provide for hands-freeoperation. The speaker 120 a is placed in a user's ear such that bodysection 120 c and thus microphone 120 d extend toward the user's mouth.Extension of the upper and lower main body sections 120 b and 120 c onopposite sides of the speaker 120 a allows for effective weightbalancing. A further feature of the alternative second communicationmodule 120 involves a raised portion 128 that overlies the upper andlower main body sections 120 b and 120 c. The raised portion 128 ispreferably a removable cover member that provides simple access tomanufacturer-selected internal components, such as a single-usereplaceable battery, for service or installation by a user.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary electrical block diagram 160 of the multi-modulecommunication devices shown in FIGS. 1-15. Another type of communicationdevice that could be modified for use with this system is described inco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/106,585, 09/344,432,09/543,231, 09/634,774 and 09/663,972. These applications, which areco-owned with the present application, are hereby incorporated herein byreference. The communication devices described in these applicationsinclude only a single wireless RF component for communicating over asingle communication path to a long-range wireless network. The devicesshown in FIGS. 1-15 are similar to these devices in that they cancommunicate over a long-range wireless network, but also preferablyinclude an RF interface for communicating over a short-range wirelessnetwork or link.

The communication devices 160 shown in FIGS. 1-15 preferably comprise afirst communication module 161 and a second communication module 162.The first communication module 161 preferably includes a pair ofantennas 164, 166 (although a single antenna structure could be used), aprocessor 174, a memory 172, an LCD display 180, at least onerechargeable battery 184, a long-range RF transceiver 168, one or moreshort-range RF transceivers 170, a power supply and recharging circuit186, a cradle interface circuit 182, and one or more input devices,including, preferably, a keyboard 176 such as described in the abovementioned co-pending applications and a thumbwheel 178. The firstcommunication module 161 may also include a pressure-sensitive writingtablet.

The input devices 176, 178 on the first communication module 161 arepreferably used to respond to and generate messages, such as emailmessages. The first communication module 161 preferably interfaces witha belt-worn holster for receiving the first communication module 161 andsecuring it to a user's belt. The long-range RF transceiver 168 is usedto send and receive information from the long-range wireless network,and the one or more short-range RF transceivers 170 are used to send andreceive information from the second communication module 162, andpossibly from other local devices such as an RF interface cradle.

The second communication module 162 is preferably an RF-enabledear-piece that may be connected to (both mechanically and electrically)the first communication module 161 as described above. The secondcommunication module 162 preferably includes a microphone and a speaker190, a short-range wireless transceiver 192, an antenna 194, arechargeable battery 188, and possibly an integral processor 196. Thesecond communication module 162 may also include a background noisemicrophone 48 and a noise cancellation circuit 191 as described abovewith reference to FIG. 4. When the second communication module 162 isplaced into the first communication module 161, a shared secret can beexchanged between the two wireless components of the communicationdevice 160 so that any communications between the first and secondcommunication modules 161/162 may be encrypted. Also, the rechargeablebattery 188 of the second module 162 may be recharged by the battery 184of the first communication module 161 through power supply rechargingcircuitry 186 when the two modules are in electrical contact.

In other embodiments, the communication device 160 may include a cameracomponent for displaying or sending video images to the communicationdevice user, or could include sensory circuits for monitoring thecommunication device user's vital information such as pulse and bloodpressure. In these embodiments a nurse or doctor in a hospital floorcould wear the first component, while the second might be in a patient'sroom monitoring some vital statistics. The short-range communication inthis example might reach several hundred feet and several secondcomponents might be communicating to a single first component. Thisinformation could then be relayed on from the first component worn bythe nurse or doctor to a central nursing station for all nurses on dutyto see and monitor.

FIG. 17 illustrates one contemplated implementation 200 of thecommunication device described above, wherein 212 denotes the firstcommunication module and 214 is the second communication module. In thissystem 200, the first communication module 212 and second communicationmodule 214 incorporate compatible short-range communication systems.This allows wireless communications between the first and second modules212 and 214 over a short-range RF link 216. The first communicationmodule 212 is also designed for communication over a wireless link 218with a long-range wireless communication network 220. In thisimplementation 200, the first communication module 21 is preferably amobile communication device such as a cellular telephone, a two-waypager or communications-enabled PDA, which would normally be carried byusers in or on a belt clip or holder, or in a briefcase or purse.

The second communication module 214 is preferably a relatively low costitem, such that a user of a multiple-module device could purchase andsuitably configure several second communication modules 214 for use witha single first communication module 212. The different secondcommunication modules 214 could preferably be purchased “off-the-shelf”and then configured, for example, through an over-the-air registrationprocess executed under user control of the first communication module212.

The basic system 200 could be expanded in accordance with a furtherembodiment shown in FIG. 18 to include wireless communication betweenthe device modules 212 and 214 and a third module 234, such as an RFinterface cradle. If the first communication module 212 includes arechargeable power source, then the third module 234 may be a dockingstation or cradle into or upon which the first module may be removablyplaced in order to recharge its power source. If the secondcommunication module 214 is also powered by a rechargeable source, thenthe second module 214 may also be recharged by mounting the fullyassembled multiple-module communication device on the third module 234.A more detailed illustration of the third module 234 is shown in FIG. 18a.

The third module 234 is preferably adapted for short-rangecommunications with either the first communication module 21 over the ashort range RF link 236, the second communication module 214 overanother short range RF link 238, or both. Many possible uses of such theadditional short range RF links 236 and 238 are possible. For instance,the third module 234 may be connected to a desktop computer 232 as shownin FIGS. 18 and 18 a to expand the capabilities and potentialapplications of multiple module communication devices. The wirelesslinks 236 and 238 may then be used to carry data and audio signalsbetween the user and the computer 232, as well as any wired network 234and associated components to which the computer is connected. Althoughshown as separate components in FIGS. 18 and 18 a, the third module 234could alternatively be integrated into the computer 232.

Communication between the multiple-module device 212/214 and thecomputer 232 provides for countless possible functionality options, suchas simple paging and other notification, remote- and voice-activatedcomputer and peripheral control and wireless file or informationdownloading and uploading. This system may also be further expanded toinclude network communications between the first and secondcommunication modules 212 and 214 and wired network 234 through the PC232 to incorporate connectivity via small pico-cell networks. In such animplementation, each third module 234 connected to a corporate or otherlocal area network such as the wired network 234, could be adapted toperform pico-cell base station functions. Each such “base station” thirdmodule 232 could, for example, then be configured for short-rangecommunication with the first and/or second communication modules 212 and214 of all multiple-module communication devices issued to corporateemployees. For communications between corporate users within the rangeof the pico-cell network, all device functions may then be performedwithout using the long-range wireless network 220, potentiallygenerating significant cost savings. A further extension of thecommunication systems according to the above embodiments could be apersonal area network (PAN).

Many different possibilities for inter-module communications featuresare also possible. For instance, if the first communication module 212is a cellular telephone, then the second communication module 214 mayprovide a hands-free means for a user to answer and participate in avoice call received at the cellular telephone. If the modules wereadapted for voice control, a cellular user may preferably initiate atelephone call, add a telephone number to a stored number list, causethe telephone to enter a locked mode, or control execution of otherfunctions by the first module by simply speaking into the microphone ofthe second communication module 214.

If the first communication module 212 is enabled for data communication,then the second communication module 214 may expand its functionality.For instance, if the first communication module 212 is based on a datacommunication device, such as a two-way pager or a wireless modem in alaptop computer, then the addition of the second communication module214 will enable voice communications in a device which was previouslyenabled only for data communication. A multiple-module communicationdevice in accordance with this aspect of the invention can providesimultaneous voice and data communications. For example, a user that isparticipating in a voice communication using the second communicationmodule 214 would preferably be able to simultaneously transmit data tothe other parry to the call through the first communication module 212.

The embodiments described herein are examples of structures, systems ormethods having elements corresponding to the elements of the inventionrecited in the claims. This written description may enable those skilledin the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements thatlikewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in theclaims. The intended scope of the invention thus includes otherstructures, systems or methods that do not differ from the literallanguage of the claims, and further includes other structures, systemsor methods with insubstantial differences from the literal language ofthe claims.

1. A communication apparatus comprising: a wireless communication devicehaving a docking cavity, a short-range transceiver, and a long-rangetransceiver for long-range wireless communication with a wirelessnetwork; and a wireless communication module including a speaker and amicrophone, and a short-range transceiver for short-range wirelesscommunication with the device's short-range transceiver; the modulebeing configured to operate in a first mode in which the module isseparated from the communication device, and in a second mode in whichthe module is mounted in the cavity, wherein in both modes,communication between a user and the network is conducted through themodule's microphone and speaker, both short-range transceivers and thelong-range transceiver.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the moduleis configured to be, in the first mode, removably mounted to the user'shead.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the module is configured tobe, in the first mode, supported by the user's ear.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the module is configured to be, in the first mode,recharged by the device.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the moduleis further configured to operate in a third mode in which the module ismounted in the cavity and is inoperative for conducting communicationbetween the user and the device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein, inthe second mode the module is oriented such that the module's speakerfaces away from the device, and in the third mode the module is orientedsuch that the module's speaker faces into the device's cavity.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein the module is configured to be, in thethird mode, recharged by the device.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe device includes a microphone and a speaker for audio communicationwith the user.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the device includes acover configured to cover the cavity when the module is in its secondconfiguration.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the device is ahandheld device.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said device is afirst device, and further comprising a second wireless communicationdevice that is configured for short-range wireless communication withthe module's short-range transceiver.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10wherein the second device is configured for wired communication with awired network.
 13. A communication apparatus comprising: a device havinga docking cavity; and a wireless communication module including aspeaker, a microphone and a transceiver, and configured to operate infirst, second and third modes; in the first mode, the module isseparated from the device and conducts communication through thespeaker, the microphone and the transceiver; and in the second mode, themodule is mounted in the docking cavity and is oriented with the speakerfacing away from the device and conducts communication through thespeaker, the microphone and the transceiver; and in the third mode, themodule is mounted in the device's cavity and oriented with the speakerfacing into the cavity and is inoperative for conducting acommunication.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein, in the third mode,the module is recharged by the device.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14wherein, also in the third mode, the module is recharged by the device.16. A communication apparatus comprising: a communication moduleincluding a microphone, a speaker and a short-range transceiver; awireless communication device that includes a microphone, a speaker, ashort-range transceiver for short-range wireless communication with themodule's short-range transceiver, and a long-range transceiver forlong-range wireless communication with a wireless network; and a wiredcommunication device configured for wired communication with a wirednetwork, and including a short-range transceiver for short-rangecommunication with the module's short-range transceiver; the apparatusbeing configured for first, second and third modes of operation; in thefirst mode, communication between a user and the wireless network isconducted through the wireless device's microphone, speaker andlong-range transceiver; in the second mode, communication between theuser and the wireless network is conducted through the module'smicrophone, speaker and short-range transceiver and through the wirelessdevice's short-range transceiver and long-range transceiver; and in thethird mode, communication between the user and the wired network isconducted through the module's microphone, speaker and short-rangetransceiver, and through the wired communication device's short-rangetransceiver.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the wiredcommunication device includes a personal computer.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 16 wherein the wireless communication device is a cellular phone.19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the wireless communication deviceincludes a computer.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the wirelesscommunication device includes a cavity configured to receive the module.